The Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, has expressed concern over a growing practice where some members of the public demand financial rewards before providing information on suspected drug trafficking activities.
He told Parliament’s Assurances Committee on Tuesday, July 7, that while public intelligence remains the backbone of NACOC’s operations, the expectation of monetary compensation is beginning to undermine the fight against narcotics.
“Ghanaians Now Demanding Money For Intelligence”
Major General Mantey made the remarks during a briefing that coincided with renewed international scrutiny on Ghana’s role in drug trafficking, following the recent seizure of 320 kilogrammes of methamphetamine concealed in a charcoal shipment from Ghana and intercepted in Australia.
“As my minister said, we base most of our measures on intelligence,” he said. “The only thing is that Ghanaians now have become a bit demanding so when they send you intelligence, they demand money.”
He noted that drug networks are constantly evolving to stay ahead of law enforcement, making community cooperation more critical than ever.
“Each day, the traffickers evolve new strategies and try to go ahead of us. They connect, and they cooperate among themselves as to how to outwit them,” he stated.
The NACOC boss recounted a specific encounter to illustrate the challenge.
“There was a time somebody came to me and said, if I could build him a house, he would help me do a lot. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do that,” Major General Mantey told the Committee.
He stressed that while the Commission appreciates credible information from citizens, it cannot meet demands for personal benefits such as housing or large cash payments.
Intelligence-Led Operations To Continue
Despite the challenge, Major General Mantey assured the Assurances Committee that NACOC remains committed to intelligence-led operations and to working with citizens and stakeholders to dismantle drug networks.
He said the Commission will continue to encourage voluntary reporting and strengthen existing channels for the public to share information safely and confidentially.
The Director-General added that public cooperation is crucial if Ghana is to avoid becoming a major transit hub for international drug trafficking.
Government Emphasis on Public Support
The concerns come as security agencies intensify efforts to disrupt both local and international drug syndicates operating through Ghanaian ports and borders.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has previously stated that intelligence from the public has contributed significantly to major drug busts in recent months.
Authorities continue to urge citizens to provide timely and credible information on suspicious activities, with assurances that informant identities will be protected.
Major General Mantey reiterated that combating narcotics trafficking requires a collective effort.
“We cannot do it alone. The support of the public is what helps us intercept these shipments before they leave our shores or before they destroy our communities,” he said.
The Assurances Committee is expected to engage NACOC further on resourcing, informant protection mechanisms, and public education strategies to sustain community support in the anti-narcotics campaign.
